Careers Advice Please Help Please 🙏🏼

Hi everyone,
I’m planning to study Interactive Media and Web Technologies and wanted to ask how people have found the balance between theory and practical coding on similar courses.
I already have some experience with HTML, CSS and JavaScript, but I’m curious whether universities focus more on front-end design, backend logic, or a mix of both.
Any advice or personal experiences would really help, thank you!

Thank you for sharing your situation so openly. I want to begin by reassuring you that what you are experiencing is not uncommon for graduates in the IT and technology sector. Securing a first role in the industry can be challenging, especially when employers are looking for existing experience.
Employers typically look for evidence of applied skills, even for entry-level roles. This can include internships, freelance work, personal technical projects, certifications, volunteering in IT support environments or contract work. If your experience to date has been largely academic, you may need to bridge the gap some projects or volunteering roles.
Regarding the recruiter’s response... recruiters often consult hiring managers before confirming progression, even temporary ones, so do not take it as an immediate negative, do make it known however that you are passionate for this role and want to learn. Many successful IT professionals began in support or hardware roles before progressing into more specialised areas. My placement was in tech support!
Please do separate current employment from long-term goals. Retail work does not define your professional journey or future. However, remaining in a role that does not move you closer to your target either. In terms of a career switch, 25 is not late! We have students who at 25 are entering University for the first time. It is still early career stage. I will say that your career decisions should be strategic rather than reactive. Moving into paramedicine or policing would require an lot of background reading up as they are often competitive in their own right. Confirm any eligibility requirements before making a major shift.
I would encourage you to check:
Technology requires persistence. As you are no longer a graduate in the typical sense for applications, you need to apply for junior roles which are even stricter on their requirements and skills! You are not too late. You are at a crossroads and will get there in the end! Happy to recommend some labs or certs to try. Let me know if you have any questions.
Aura, Uni of Staffs Comp Sci Rep